Payson Roundup

Courtesy photo

A 3D archery shoot held May 17 at the Tonto Rim Sports Club’s Jim Jones Shooting Range turned into a family affair for Rim Country sportsmen.

A 3D archery shoot turned into a family affair for Rim Country sportsmen.

“Several families participated and a great time was had by all,” said shoot director Les Conner.

“The youngsters had a particularly good time, the weather was great and the winning scores were excellent.”

Evidence it was indeed a family shoot occurred in the compound release youth boys division where brothers Zack Toot and Tanner Toot finished one-two.

The competition was held May 17 at the Jim Jones Archery Range at the Tonto Rim Sports Club, located south of Payson.

The event was unique in that archers walked an outdoor course firing arrows at McKenzie life-sized 3D foam targets of bear, deer and mountain lions.

“There are 14 targets and they’re shot at twice from different distances, making 28 targets,” Conner said.

A traditional competition, known as a Clout Shoot, at a circle target was also held. George Toot won the event scoring a perfect bull’s-eye hit from 80 yards away.

In the traditional men’s division, Denny Harger was first, Ken Crump second and Smokey Slaughter took third.

Amity Justice won the traditional women’s division.

In the cub traditional boys competition, Dylan Justice took home the gold and Colton Justice was second.

Wes Lathen won the men’s open compound championship.

Chris Wolf took top honors in men’s compound release competition over runner-up Jim Lathe and third-place finisher Doug Hart.

Jamie McNeeley fired her way to first in the women’s compound release shoot.

Les Bruce won the compound fingers cub boys title over silver medalist Cayden Lathen.

In the compound fingers cub girls event, Savannah Lathen was the top archer.

Conner, a retired law enforcement officer who took up archery a few years ago, said he would like to host more of the 3D shoots if enough interest is shown.